I know these pics aren't the same as going to Washington, DC for Police Week, but there are important nonetheless.

A quick history lesson:

Joey Vento (of Geno's Cheesteaks in Philadelphia( is a huge supporter of LEO's & FF's. But that's not what people remember him for. He was thrown in the limelight for his sign that is posted in the window telling customers to speak English when ordering. The City of Philadelphia tried to get him to remove the sign, but he refused (way to go, Joey!).

Back in September of last year, Joey donated the proceeds from two days of business to a scholarship fund for Gennaro Pellegrini, who was a 26th District P/O and a friend to many, including me. Gennaro was killed in a roadside attack on 8/9/05 in Iraq by insurgents. I don't remember the exact amount that was donated to the fund, but Joey guaranteed $40k.

He hasn't forgotten Daniel Faulkner either. He keeps his pic in the window next to the "Speak English" sign honoring Faulkner's memory.

On 5/3 at 11am, Joey honored LEO's & FF's with his "Path of Honor". He has torn out the front sidewalk of his steak shop and replaced it with over 400 bricks with the names of every Police and Fireman killed in the line of duty.

Of course, none of this was posted in any of the local papers at all and it was all through word-of-mouth. Unless an officer does something wrong, nothing good about them makes the news, even in their death, which truly saddens me.

I just thought Joey should be recognized for his commitment to honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - their life.

You're a good man, Joey. God bless you!

If you're ever in the Philly area, stop by and have one of his cheesesteaks. He takes very good care of LEO's and he gives them on the house.

The pictures below aren't the best. It's a brand new camera and I'm still trying to figure it out, but I've created a Photo Album that's open to the public so you all can see this wonderful gift that was given to all of you who wear the uniform, both LEO's & FF's.

To all the Honest and Hard Working Chicago Police Officers I leave this poem On National Law Enforcement Memorial Day:

"I have been where you fear to goI have seen what you fear to seeI have done what you fear to doAll these things I have done for youI am the one you lean uponThe one you cast your scorn uponThe one you bring your troubles toAll these people I've been for youThe one you ask to stand apartThe one you feel should have no heartThe one you call the man in BlueBut I am Human, Just Like You."Author Unknown

Nobody wants to post here. It isn't controversial or "juicy" enough for someone to come to this post and comment. We, as Police Officers, can be just like the media and the media hungry people whom we despise at times. Best wishes to Det. P.J. who is currently recovering from wounds suffered in the line of duty. May God bless you and your family.

RE: Geno's cheesesteaks....I stopped in Philly on the way to DC for the memorial...watched the Cubs get smoked by the Phillies, twice (whats new?)...stopped at Geno's for a sammich, it was good but the owner saw our CPD T-shirts and we talked for a bit....he is a huge fan of the Police, and a nice guy. They do stuff for the Faulkner family, and keep the case in the public eye. As the other blogger said, if you are in philly, stop there for some eats. It worth seeing the bricks and patches and pictures......and to Kateykakes....thanks for the pix....they are just fine....

Off topic...but, I thought it was important enough to share with all fellow officers of the CPD... While in Washington, D.C., at the Police Memorial, an announcement was made at a celebration (tavern) regarding the shooting of Det. P. Johnson. A moment of silence was dedicated, and you could have heard a pin drop. Prayers were requested by thousands of fellow officers from around the country and the D.J. played the Toby Keith song, "I'm proud to be an American", Thanks to all the officers from around the country who expressed their good wishes and heartfelt prayers to Det. Johnson. Talk about a feeling of camaraderie! Thanks guys for your show of support to CPD.